By Dr Greg Goggin (Chiropractor)
Like other skills, movement skills can change with practice, activity, and age. Your spine also plays an important role in how your body moves.
Try the Physical Literacy Challenge
World Spine Day is held on 16 October and encourages people to think about spinal health and staying active. Why not use it as an excuse to see how you’re moving?
These simple challenges aren’t diagnostic tests. Stop if you experience pain or don’t feel comfortable with a movement.
- Floor-to-stand: Sit cross-legged on the floor, then stand. Start at 10 and lose a point each time you use a hand, knee, or forearm for support.
- Single-leg balance: Balance on each leg for up to 30 seconds.
- Deep squat: See whether you can comfortably hold a squat for up to 30 seconds with your heels down.
- Toe reach: With your knees soft, slowly reach towards your toes and notice how the movement feels.
It’s important to note that physical literacy isn’t about being the strongest, fastest, or most flexible person in the room. It’s about having a range of movement skills and feeling comfortable using them in everyday life. Balance, coordination, mobility, and control can all play a part.
Pass the Challenge On
Try the movements with your partner, kids, parents, or mates. Compare how you go, pick one movement you’d like to work on, then try it again in a month. If a movement causes discomfort, or you’ve been noticing pain or stiffness in everyday life, an assessment may help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
At NT Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre, our Darwin chiropractors use a thorough history and examination, with INSiGHT® scanning where clinically appropriate, to gather information about your presentation.
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